By Liz Horton - bio l email
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Movie buffs, we've got a trip for you. This week's pick takes us to the town of Albemarle.
David Robertson owns the Badin Road Drive-in who says his place very different from most places you may go to see a movie.
"Well there's not many drive-ins around, and there aren't any twin drive-ins around, and we're going to triplex and maybe four screens before it's through, so I want to be the biggest and the bestest," Robertson said.
Cars line up each night for these inexpensive flicks. You get two movies for the price of one and a unique ambiance.
"It's just the open air, more freedom, people come out here they won't sit in a car during the summer they'll sit outside. Some even bring their grill cook their own food. It's like a party... like a picnic," said Ted Williams.
Williams is the manager at Badin Road Drive-in. He says they draw customers from all over the Carolinas.
It may have something to do with their hospitality.
They welcomed me with a big smile and two strawberry pies. The pie was delicious, but this drive-in offers much more than dessert. Williams says they sell it all.
"It's a full grill--hamburgers, hot Dogs, chicken fingers, chicken wings, french fries, nachos, milkshakes, ice cream, candy, popcorn.--you know you gotta have the popcorn," said Williams.
Badin Road makes it easy for families to enjoy themselves. The kids get their own screen, conveniently located right behind a playground. As the sun sets, viewers get ready, and radios tune in to the sound of oldies tunes.
The movies, however, aren't old. Badin Road is directly connected to Hollywood through a booker named R.T. Belcher. You'll only see the big blockbusters here.
It's just $5 for kids and $2 for children ages six through 11. Children under six get in free. So hop in the car and stop by, we promise you won't be disappointed.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Start: Charlotte, NC US
1. Start out going NORTHEAST on S TRYON ST toward E TRADE ST. (go 0.1 miles)
2. Turn RIGHT onto E 5TH ST. (go 0.7 miles)
3. Merge onto US-74 E toward NC-27. (go 3.8 miles)
4. Merge onto NC-27 E via EXIT 246 on the LEFT. (go 38.1 miles)
5. NC-27 E becomes NC-740 N. (go 1.0 miles)
6. 2411 BADIN RD. (go 0.0 miles)
End: Badin Road Drive-In Theater, 2411 Badin Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001 US
TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour 1 minute | DISTANCE: 43.75 miles
